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Laproscopic fundoplication recovery - is this normal?

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Posted 10/24/2015 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All, first time poster. I've just had a partial fundoplication wrap plus a 'moderate' hiatus hernia repaired (which I didn't know existed) a few days ago and I wanted to know if my recovery process is typical of others' experience.

I had the procedure done to address silent reflux. My main symptom was for persistent throat mucus that would occur after most meals for a number of hours, that would affecting my speaking voice (not to mention being incredibly annoying). The symptoms had been getting progressively worse for about six years so I decided to finally do something about it. After trying diet changes and a heavy dose of Nexium for several months with no results I decided on the surgical route.

I'm only on day four of my recovery and on a fluid-only diet. Straight after surgery I developed these horrible canker sores on my gum and mouth, which are only just starting to heal now. I've also experienced 'heartburn' that occurs around the base of my sternum (pre-surgery I never used to get heartburn at all). I've felt this when I've gotten up from lying down, as well as occasionally after swallowing. Is this my stomach healing itself, or could this be caused by the food I'm ingesting?

More worryingly, the throat mucus is still very apparent, and feels like it's even more persistent now even on a fluid-only diet. The constant throat clearing is killing me. I would have thought this symptom would disappear after the surgery? I'm still holding out that once my body heals better this will improve..

I know it's early days yet, but I'm really hoping I don't have a new set of problems to deal with because of this surgery! Are these feelings normal? I have a follow-up appointment with my specialist in four weeks time where I'll obviously raised these issues if they're still a problem, but wanted to see from the community what my expectations should be early on?

Thanks for any advice!

Post Edited (disco dave) : 10/23/2015 9:53:29 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/24/2015 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
I'd say that pain you are feeling is probably from the wrap, after 4 days all of the anesthetic and stronger painkillers used during the surgery will be out of your system, so you probably will hurt more than you did the first few days. It could also be from the gas they pump into your abdomen during the surgery, and the best + fastest way to stop the pain is to keep mobile, get up and have a little walk around every few hours, it helps to dissipate the gas.

As for the mucous I wouldn't be concerned yet, the reason for the mucous is because your throat gets irritated by the acid, and although the acid isn't there anymore that irritation hasn't had time to heal yet. It can take a few months for all the damaged tissue to completely heal but the important thing is to really REALLY try not to clear your throat, I know how hard it is not to but the mucous is there to protect your throat, and constantly clearing it will slow the healing process.

Long story short, everything you are feeling at the moment is probably very normal, and I have heard that the 2 week mark is where you get the most pain because the wrap is swollen from the surgery, so be prepared for that as well. Like I said before you are probably right at the point that all of the good meds are leaving your system so you will be feeling more. However if it is really worrying you then give your surgeon a call, even if its nothing then at least you have peace of mind.
Posted 10/24/2015 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
i as well, was pulling mucus up, for a better part of the first week, and from the antibiotics, developed a very hard to get rid of yeast infection on my tongue. it all gets better, hang in there.
Posted 10/24/2015 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
All pretty normal I had a Nissen revision surgery Oct 12, and am feeling pretty good. It was the open version of the surgery this time. Just be real careful what you eat for awhile, and by no means put any carbonated beverage down you until dr says it is ok!
Posted 10/24/2015 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
I had my surgery on the 14th and the pain is very similar to what I experienced. Remember you anatomy was altered and there were a bunch of instruments in there. It's going to be painful.
Posted 10/27/2015 10:03 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, the thick mucous in the esophagus is a problem. so thick it's hard to spit out. Sometimes when I try to eat, it happens and I feel I'm going to lose the food I ate. It has to be the body's response to the rescue when eating.
Posted 10/27/2015 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Gerdiegirl how are u doing? I remember u were having a rough recovery from ur surgery
Posted 10/28/2015 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks all. A week in now and starting to feel a bit better. Taking it easy on the fluids still, understanding that the recovery is a long one.

Quite a bit of gas build up though, much to my wife's disgust! :D
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